Black Heart

After her devastating encounter with Hydr and his family, Zabel was utterly shattered and broken. She made the unexpected decision to end the relationship not only because Hydr was involved with someone else, but also due to the inescapable grip he had on her. Despite his disloyalty, she didn't want him to fall into the clutches of his abductor's torment. Zabel was aware that Hydr's proximity to her would put him in danger, and she was lost in her thoughts when Jamal and Herál entered the room. They offered their unwavering support, and Jamal mentioned their plans for a vacation, which Herál enthusiastically supported. However, Zabel refused, fearing she couldn't leave the house due to the constant threat she felt. Jamal reassured her that they would find the abductor and encouraged her to take a break. Zabel remained resolute, convinced that Hydr's watchful eyes were still on her. Jamal tried to comfort her, but she was determined not to return to the hellish past.

The conversation shifted when jamal inquired about her final decision to end things with hydr. With a nod, Zabel confirmed her choice. Jamal then changed the topic, suggesting dinner. He insisted that just the three of them—himself, Zabel, and Herál—go out for some father-daughter time. Zabel was encouraged to leave her room and eventually, with Herál's insistence, chose a dress and got ready. The family dined at their favorite Chinese restaurant, though Zabel struggled to taste the food due to her lost appetite. .

Upon arrival, they found Kaan and Karim waiting in the living room. As she entered the room, she stopped momentarily, her face turning pale as she saw a man in front of her. A wave of unease washed over her, but Kaan's greeting snapped her back to reality. She managed a hello and took a seat on the sofa. They discussed Zabel's well-being, expressing gratitude for Kaan's support. Kaan then inquired if she recalled anything that might aid in finding the abductor, to which she responded with a lack of memory. Shifting the conversation, he asked for her assistance in decorating his office. Kaan's charismatic nature left both positive and negative impressions. Kaan was the kind of person who could captivate anyone he came into contact with; he had a charisma that Zabel also felt, perhaps for the first time, even though their previous interactions had been in formal settings, such as when she rejected his marriage proposal. He encouraged her to find solace in prayers and even referenced a Quranic verse. After Kaan left, Zabel retreated to her room.

The next morning, Jamal and the family convinced her to work at Kaan's office to aid her recovery. At the office, Kaan welcomed her warmly and they discussed ideas for office improvement. However, when she left for home and entered the elevator, it abruptly stopped, triggering her fear. She prayed fervently until the elevator resumed. Sitting frozen on the floor, Kaan reached out to her, asking if she was okay. Instead of answering, she hugged him briefly before realizing her action and pulling away. Kaan's presence provided comfort, and he held her hand as he took her out for lunch.

At the restaurant, he inquired about her food preferences, to which she replied "the same as yours." He ordered sandwiches, urging her to calm down as she was constantly looking around. She expressed her concern that he could be harmed due to his association with her. He reassured her, stating that no one could harm him and that he wouldn't allow anyone to hurt her either. Their eyes met for a moment before they both looked away, sharing an unspoken understanding. After lunch, he dropped her home. The conversation during lunch reassured her that she wasn't alone in her struggle. She realized the assurance she had always yearned for from Hydr was now coming from Kaan. As Kaan reached home, he requested coffee, which zabel happily said sure

In their subsequent conversation, Kaan acknowledged Zabel's mental condition and suggested counseling, which Jamal couldn't agree with more. However, Zabel clung to the hope that her abductor would be captured, enabling her to break free from her fears. Jamal tried to provide solace, emphasizing that life continued beyond the trauma. Despite her skepticism, Zabel's father reassured her that happiness could be found. As she left the room, she carried a mixture of emotions—a blend of longing, pain, and a glimmer of hope for a better future.

The following day brought a kind of solace as Zabel decided to go to Kaan's office with her laptop and belongings. She settled into a workspace adjacent to Kaan's office. He called her into his room and requested coffee, leading to a discussion of ideas. Kaan seemed impressed by her designs and praised her, saying, "You are truly a savior." When the clock struck 6, she left the office, heading to her waiting driver. As she descended to the parking lot, looking for her car, she noticed a car rushing toward her. In shock, she froze, but a hand pulled her out of harm's way just in time. Kaan had rescued her. He asked if she was okay, and after confirming her safety, he reassured her that he had noted down the car's number and would handle the situation. He dropped her off at her car, bidding her goodbye.

Despite leaving the office, her mind remained fixated on how Kaan had consistently come to her aid. Upon arriving home, she found her uncle, Ibad, who had come from the USA after hearing the entire story. Ibad, a heart surgeon in the US, inquired about her well-being. She responded positively, but he then shocked her by suggesting she go to America with him. She firmly declined, stating her unwillingness to leave her parents. Ibad argued that her absence for 10 days had caused a stir in society and leaving the country temporarily could help restore normalcy. Frustrated, Zabel stood up, expressing that what happened to her wasn't her fault, and she shouldn't be punished for it. She criticized the societal norms that victimized her instead of holding the perpetrator accountable. Jamal intervened, asserting that Zabel would stay with him for the rest of her life if she chose. Ibad accused Jamal of upending family customs and traditions, causing difficulties. Jamal countered that Zabel's well-being was his priority. Ibad stormed out angrily, leaving the house. Jamal reassured Zabel that she didn't need to worry.

Jamal was sitting in his office when Karim knocked on the door, seeking permission to enter. Jamal welcomed him in, and as Karim took a seat, Jamal inquired about the matter at hand. Karim expressed that he had heard what Uncle Ibad had said and believed that they shouldn't disconnect from their roots. Jamal was taken aback when Karim suggested sending Zabel away forcibly. "No, Father," Karim clarified, "I want what's best for Zabel, just like you do. But I also want to shield her from the judgments of others. What I mean is, we should arrange a marriage for Zabel with a suitable man."

Jamal was skeptical, questioning if they were forcing Zabel into a marriage. Karim reassured him, explaining that they could find a decent and well-educated man who understood Zabel's situation and had no issues with her past. Karim had someone in mind—Kaan. Jamal was silent for a moment, wondering if Kaan would agree and how Zabel would react. Karim stated that they could prepare Zabel for this and mentioned he would talk to Kaan directly, promising to share all the details afterward.